The best way to start is with a pencil and paper. Measure out your yard and transfer the measurements to the paper then decide roughly where you want features such as flower beds, shrubs and trees. Once you've marked everything out on paper you can scratch the design out in the yard using either a garden hose or some flour. When you like the looks of the design you can begin installing your lawn and preparing the planting areas by incorporating some organic matter into the soil. Then the fun part begins - choosing shrubs, trees and flowers. Just choose plants that will grow well in the sun or shade exposure your yard provides, plant them, water them regularly, and enjoy!